Mayor Pawlowski dismisses police chief search moderator

Joseph Carter, one of the moderators of Thursday evening's public forum on hiring a new Allentown police chief, has been dismissed by Mayor Ed Pawlowski.

Carter was part of a team assembled by a consulting firm to recruit a new chief.

69 News has learned that last year Carter resigned as commander of the Massachusetts National Guard after allegations surfaced that he raped a female member of the National Guard 28 years before. Carter has denied the allegations.

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Carter was being brought to the city by Robert Wasserman, chairman of Strategic Policy Partnership, a consulting firm being paid $30,000 by the city to lead the search for a new chief.

Carter, former Massachusetts Adjutant General, was part of a team of consultants assembled to help pick a new chief by Strategic Policy Partnership, which has assisted the city in the past on policing issues.

"I was upset and troubled to learn of these allegations against General Carter, who has led recent search efforts in other cities," said Pawlowski. " While there is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty, this committee must be above reproach and I insisted on the immediate removal of General Carter and Mr. Wasserman has agreed to do so.

"Our focus must be about the future of Allentown and the process of hiring the best Chief to keep our community safe.

"Another member of the team, Dr. Gary Cordner, Professor of Criminal Justice at Kutztown University, will lead this evening's community discussion. I look forward to the meeting tonight and hearing the residents' input on the hiring of our new police chief."

Thursday night's Police Chief search forum begins at 6:00pm in City Council Chambers.

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